An outbreak of African horse sickness detected last week in South Africa has killed 300 horses, according to a Pro-Med report. African horse sickness is a lethal virus spread by the Culicoides bolitinos midge, a species of small fly. Although African horse sickness is endemic to all parts of Africa, except the Western Cape, rain in the region has increased the midge population.

The outbreak began in the Underberg-Loteni district, according to the report. Since March, 31 veterinarians have suggested that all equine sporting events around ZwaZulu Natal’s southern Drakensberg and Eastern Griqualand districts be cancelled. A voluntary transportation ban has been established in an attempt to prevent the spread of the disease